foilarmsandhog
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Behind the Scenes Photo Diary (Sketch 8th July 21)
🕑 Added 2021-07-06 11:54:43 +0000 UTCA few years ago, we made a rule. The first read through of a sketch is for enjoyment, and the second is for working on. We brought it in so as the reader of their sketches wouldn't be staring at two frowned faces deep in thought, ones who think the sketch is funny and 'works' despite not cracking a smile! In a way it was to protect the reader, to protect their ego and give them the joy of hearing the laugh, after all isn't that the reason we're all here in the first place? It also allows the listener to experience the sketch as an audience would, and giving it an honest response. Great right? The thing is though, this is all a pretence, as we're not really an audience, we're comedians who will have a direct hand in crafting the comedy, so this approach isn't honest. The truth is, if your sketch is funny enough, or perhaps more so, surprising in its originality, it can break through those frowning concentrating faces regardless. That said, I do try to loosen up on the first read through whilst also contemplating comedy possibilities.
So when this weeks sketch made me laugh out loud on a first reading, I was delighted and surprised. It's another of the type of dramatic sketches we've been doing of late, which is something that excites me. It's important we keep trying new and different things (as well as things that have worked before), to keep it interesting and challenging for ourselves.
Its one of Hogs premises, it really couldn't be anyone elses. He loves a bit of drama. He's definitely watched the most tv drama out of all of us, and it shows in his parody writing. He knows the tropes! The sketch as written only has two characters, but I always think where possible it should have all three of us in it. I mean, look at how hard I try to get Barry into every Oisinn/Anne sketch. Side note: That's even more important in the live show, I mean imagine a two hander live sketch with just one of us standing at the side looking.?? It would feel like our 2009 show, when I couldn't make some of the writing sessions and basically stood beside the cymbal for half the show. I'm not bitter I swear. In fairness, I've written Foil in this time, so you know, he owes me.
We've all added a bunch of jokes, and some of them dont fit (think ottoman joke in euro 2020 sketch), but I LOVE THEM SO THEY'RE STAYING, at least in the scripting. There is one joke which when filming I never succeeded in keeping a straight face, so I had to just cut quickly to the next shot, no doubt you'll see me about to crack...
I'm not sure this will be the funniest sketch, but it will definitely be different! And when your doing 50 plus sketches a year, different is good! Sometimes you just need to be surprised
A
Comments
MissiCz
This was an excellent sketch. I know it was supposed to be a CIS spoof, but picture #9 of Arms had me thinking "Mulder and Scully".
selkie
Maybe it's the FAHns who get quite irate, though? 😁
i love this scene~! #FanFromSingapore
i love seeing these glimpses into how you put things together. Thanks for sharing 😃
Rose Main
Loved the sketch but behind the scenes is really good. Love seeing how you transform the place into so many amazing sets. Foil does look seriously dangerous with that glove. Love Hogs cheeky smiling and schmoozing up to the fan that dropped in. like the cat that got the cream! Love that Arms has still got a bit of a quiff going on there. You are saving lives one week at a time keeping us all smiling and laughing through this never ending pandemic challenge. Thank you xxx
Thekla
Your diary entrys combined with the photos bring me so much joy! Thank you for putting so much thought in it and sharing it with us.
Bernadine Savarin
Arms, it was the joke after "links to criminal fun" that you were about to crack, wasn't it? I could just about see your face going there before it cut to the next scene... 🙂
Bleachtairí cóisir dinnéir (subject to someone who actually speaks Irish correcting it).
Ooh, a cop drama?! I love cop dramas! Irish Grueeahnner!
Right Julia! 😃 You need to flip those words in spanish everytime ☺️
The adjective should go after the noun, right? That took me a while...
I swear I thought those snacks were Foil’s creation… but nope! I double-checked on the internet and they are real, sold as such! 🤭 I’ll say whoever chose the name was not an Spanish speaking someone (I can tell you why if you need to know 🙃), but the packaging is nice though! I like the colours and typo they used. Hopefully the snacks were yummy too! Thanks again Arms for these diaries and pictures of yours 🌻 Hope ye are having a nice week!
Christine S. Nielsen
🎶Every joke is sacred Every joke is great If a joke is wasted God gets quite irate 🎶 Ever since reading this diary entry, I've had the chorus from Monty Python's 'Every Sperm Is Sacred' song stuck in my head with one small change... 😝
The diary and photo's are such a great build up to seeing the sketch on Thursday. Can't wait for this one.
I agree with all the comments above, nothing to add, too tired to write something creative... Looking forward to Thursday!
I can't wait for this sketch, Arms. It sounds like Hog did a great job if you were laughing out loud on the first read through 🤩 Is Foil's costume from his own personal wardrobe? It looks like something he might wear when he's on one of his killing sprees! #PsychoFoil 😈😱
